Optimizing irrigation water use in the West Bank, Palestine

We examine optimal irrigation water allocation on the West Bank using a linear mathematical programming model. Our analysis involves five agricultural zones and five fruit and vegetable crops: tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplant, squash and citrus. We analyze three scenarios: (1) maintaining the existing cropping patterns, (2) maximizing profit under water and land availability constraints, and (3) maximizing profit under water and land availability constraints, while also imposing an additional constraint requiring production of crops for local consumption. The water used for irrigation is reduced by 10% (4% of all agricultural water use) by changing the cropping patterns of the five crops we analyze under land and water availability constraints. The total value added in irrigated agriculture increases by 38%, equivalent to 4% of the entire agricultural sector. Imposing the additional constraint requiring production for local consumption also reduces irrigation water use by 10%, while the increase in value added is only 12% (1% for the entire agricultural sector).Agriculture Cropping patterns Linear programming Profit maximization Water scarcity

A Financial, Environmental and Social Evaluation of Domestic Water Management Options in the West Bank, Palestine

Water is one of the most valuable natural resources in the West Bank, Palestine. Due to its limited availability, it is a resource that needs particular protection. Although agriculture consumes most of the water (70%) in the West Bank, the domestic water supply is strategically not less important. It is the aim of this study to evaluate domestic water management options suitable for Palestinian conditions that contribute to achieving water sufficiency in the domestic water use in the house of tomorrow. A number of options were evaluated economically, environmentally and socially using the concept of life cycle impact assessment (LCIA). Results of the study showed that by introducing a combination of domestic water management options, a substantial decrease in the water consumption of more than 50% can be achieved, thereby reducing the pressure on the scarce water resources. The annual environmental impact of the in-house water use can be reduced in the range of 8%, when using low-flow shower head to 38% when using rainwater harvesting systems. Some of the options (faucet aerators, low-flow shower heads and dual flush toilets) were found to be financially attractive with a pay back period of less than their expected lives, others (rainwater harvesting, graywater reuse and dry toilets) were found to be financially unattractive because of the high investment. In the social context, it was found that introducing such options can improve the quality of life of those not having enough water. There is already a popular willingness to take part in water conservation in the domestic sector in the West Bank. The strongest driving force for using water conservation measures is the awareness that water is a scarce resource. It was concluded that, theoretically, the house of tomorrow can be largely independent in terms of water and sanitation. Education and awareness campaigns in the context of water management with a focus on non-traditional options are key to achieve such a house.Water ManagementCivil Engineering and Geoscience